GLOSSARY OF HERBAL TERMS

Abortifacient: brings on an abortion, often only in very large, nearly toxic doses
Alkaloid: compound that contains nitrogen, and often has many medicinal applications, like morphine
Alterative: gently improves the condition of the body, a very general term
Anodyne: general pain reliever
Anthelmintic: annoys the wiggles out of parasitic worms in the digestive system, stimulating
Anticatarrhal: cuts down on mucus or stops its production
Antilithic: work against kidney and other stones in the urinary system
Anti microbial: annoys the micro-organisms that have invaded your body/skin
Analgesic: pain reliever
Antineoplastic: tumor inhibitors
Anti rheumatic: rheumatic problem relievers
Antiseptic: has a drawing tightening or constricting effect, especially to halt germ growth
Antispasmodic: relax the nerves, especially when related to digestion or colic problems
Aromatic: smelly things that are so strong that they penetrate muscles & improve circulation (think eucalyptus oil)
Astringent: an antiseptic with the constricting abilities, but more specifically used to counter secretions (pus, mucus, yuckies)
Bitter: appetite and digestion stimulators, usually highly nutritious as well
Blood purifier: an old fashioned term for things that were supposed to rid your blood of toxins. More isunderstood about the human body now and this term is rarely used. If you have an old herbal that mentions it, look to newer ones to see the new classification. Does it stimulate circulation? Does it help the liver?
Carminative: no more gas! like gas X, beano, etc. Either speed the expulsion of it for relief, or prevent the development of it in the first place
Cathartic: laxative
Cholagogue: promotes the flow of bile into the small intestine
Decoction: extract made by boiling herbs and then simmering them for some time, straining and using, reserved for use with roots and bark or otherthings that the processing won't destroy the physical or magical attributes
Demulcent: soothes the damage to internal tissues
Diaphoretic: promote sweating, you may have experienced this with ginger or hot peppers
Diuretic: increase the flow of urine, use with caution, may cause dehydration
Dysmenorrhea: incapacitating menstruation with cramps and other pains
Elixir: a syrup or other liquid usually sweetened to be palatable, often contains alcohol or another substance to emulsify and suspend a medicine (like an extract)
Emetic: makes you vomit, like syrup of ipecac used to rid stomach of poison
Emmenagogue: things that promote menstruation
Errhine: makes you sneeze and makes more mucus
Euphoriant: makes you feel Perfectly Good and right for a short time. Often addictive and dangerous, a familiar plant that has euphoriant properties are opium poppies. Opiates like Codeine, a controlled substance.
Expectorant: help to expel mucous from lungs and throat (spit it out! don't swallow infectious substances)
Extract: a substance that has been chemically, magically or physically isolated from a plant
Febrifuge: relieves fever
Galactogenic: promotes milk flow and production in mothers
Glycoside: a group of plant compounds that frequently have medicinal properties and when broken down chemically yield different types of sugars.
Hallucinogenic: produces hallucinations which are defined in many different ways such as delirium, seeing beyond the veil, going nuts, expanding your mind, etc. opinions vary
Hepatic: improves the liver and aids in ridding the body of toxins
Infusion: made by pouring boiling water over the materials/herbs and letting it steep, usually stronger than a tea, can also be made by adding concentrated extracts to water
Lactifuge: increases flow of milk for mothers
Nervine: relieve anxiety, and prevent over anxiety
Ointment: a substance that is the consistency of butter, petroleum jelly, lipbalm, ointment, etc.(see Unguent)
Purgative: super laxative, promote bowel movements and stimulate intestinal activity
Rubefacient: stimulate circulation when topically (to the skin) applied. The word means "making redder"
Salicin: glycoside substance in a plant that is related to many pain relievers like aspirin. Poplars and willows are common sources of this substance
Saponin: glycoside substance in a plant that makes foamy soap like bubbles in water. Useful as natural soaps or added to standard soaps. A high saponin content herb frequently has laxative properties when taken internally
Scopolamine: an alkaloid from plants in the nightshade family (belladonna) that is poisonous. Used as a sedative and a truth serum. Usually tastes strange, bitter-like, like the taste of soap but not so much as a saponin
Sedative: extreme nervous system relaxant
Stomachic: general physical body boosters, like a tonic
Styptic: stop bleeding or shrink capillaries to stop hemorrhages, also internally for migraines
Tisane: any herbal tea, usually not as strong as an infusion, often made with flowers (but not limited to that)
Tonic: generally improves the systems of the body
Unguent: a substance that is the consistency of butter, petroleum jelly, lip balm, ointment, etc.(ointment)
Vermifuge: intestinal worm killers
Wash: a preparation used to cleanse the skin or an area (ie: floors and walls)